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Car hits jaywalking Kenai teen

A vehicle struck a 17-year-old male Tuesday in Kenai when two teenagers attempted to cross the Kenai Spur Highway during rush hour.

The Kenai Police Department received a report about the accident at 3:44 p.m. The victim was conscious and breathing when responders arrived, said Sgt. Kelly George.

The male did not appear to have sustained any life-threatening injuries. As of 5:30 p.m., he was being evaluated at Central Peninsula Hospital, George said.

Investigation revealed that two 17-year-old males were standing on the south side of the highway at Linwood Lane in Kenai, near Kenai Central High School. They attempted to run across through traffic, and a 2006 Honda CR-V struck the lead male, George said.

“The driver attempted to avoid the collision by pulling to the left, but it happened so fast there was nothing he could do,” he said.

Police did not charge the driver.

George said he was unsure how badly the victim was hurt, but added the male was aware of where he was and what had happened.

The accident stopped traffic on the highway for about 25 minutes while officers conducted their investigation.

“It was just a timing and judgment issue on the pedestrians’ parts,” George said. “They decided to run across the roadway at a little busier time of the day.”